"Thank you for doing that."
He gave her a smile, taking her hand. "I'll be doing it more often."
Her world seemed to spin. How had she landed herself someone so amazing? After everything, she was glad they fought for this because this relationship was something worth fighting for.
He leaned in, pulled her into his lap, and kissed her. His hands snaked up her dress, and she held her moan in. She would be lying if she said she didn't want him because she did. They hardly had time for each other these days.
She leaned into him, running her hands up his shirt, feeling his muscles. She could touch him everywhere and never get tired.
"You're making it hard to behave myself." He chuckled, pulling her tighter against him. "And if there wasn't a bunch of people around, I'd fuck you right here."
Her body grew hot with the idea. She was sure she'd be all for it, but, of course, if people weren't around. She felt the heat cover her face, and he leaned closed, resting his forehead against hers. "That and I have a speech to give."
She had almost forgotten. He wanted to thank everyone for coming and tell them to all take their gift bags home. She wanted to give everyone a little something for coming.
She leaned back, sighing. He smiled at her, though. He pulled some of her free hair back, stroking his thumb over her cheek. "You know, the quicker I can get to my speech and get it over with, the quicker I can get you home and strip you bare. You still owe me your part of the wager."
She swallowed, suddenly unsure she could wait. But she was a patient girl. She could sit through his speech. Possibly. Maybe. Hopefully?
"Well, then." She leaned forward, giving him one last kiss. "You better get to that speech."
She peeled herself off him and got to her feet. She fixed her dress and took a deep breath in. He pulled himself up with a chuckle. "You're a little red, darling."
She hit him lightly, trying to shake it off. She turned and walked back to where everyone else was.
Devlin grabbed a wine glass, gently clinking a fork against it to catch everyone's attention. She wandered to the food, eager to put something into her mouth. She needed a distraction from her sexual frustrations.
He cleared his throat a few times before he spoke. "I want to thank everyone for coming here tonight and being able to celebrate Kate and me and our donation."
She grabbed a piece of cake, cut into it, and popped a slice into her mouth. She could moan at the texture of the frosting. She would need to remember who the baker was.
"I also wanted to say a special thank you to Kate."
She froze, and her eyes snapped toward Devlin. He smiled at her now with a different expression. This was a pure loving look with determination. She swallowed her cake, suddenly seeing everyone staring at her.
He sighed softly. "I want to thank you for being there for me and standing by me when things were rough. I want you to know that you are a stronger woman than anyone could ever know and that I am so grateful to have you in my life."
She set her cake down, a smile slipping onto her face. Even though everyone was watching her, she didn't care. It was like she and Devlin were the only people there.
He stuffed a hand into his jacket. "And because tonight isn't over yet, I wanted to make one more announcement before I free everyone for the evening."
She watched as Devlin pulled a small box out of his pocket and flipped it open. A ring sparkled under the lights, and everyone gasped, including her. Her heart leapt into her throat.
She watched him bend down onto one knee. "Kate Reese, I know we have had our differences, but I think we are amazing together. I want to help you make all your dreams come true, and you make me a better man. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Everyone looked at her once more, and she stood shocked. Her mind was going over a hundred different things, but one thing rang louder than everything else.
Could she marry Devlin? Could she be his wife and wake up to him every morning? Could she be married to a shifter? Would that be something she was willing to do?
Even as the panic and questions swam in her head, she knew the answer. She loved Devlin with all her heart, and he made her the happiest woman on the planet. There was only one answer.
TWENTY-ONE
DEVLIN
He stared at her, waiting. He watched as her eyes widened in shock and her mouth dropped open suddenly. Worry hit him for a second, and he could only hope it didn't end how it went when he asked Kate to move in with him.
Kate, however, smiled at him with tears in her eyes. She nodded, her entire body shaking. "Yes. God, yes."